YOGA NAMASTACY

On the Blog

HOW YOU THINK

When I began studying under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, founder of the Ashtanga Vinyasa method, I learned a foundational truth: in traditional yoga, agni — the heat that transforms the body — comes from within. It’s cultivated through rhythmic breathing, unwavering focus, and subtle energetic locks (bandhas) that generate warmth from the inside out.
Even in Mysore, India, where Jois taught, practice traditionally began in the cool, pre-dawn hours. The body’s warmth was earned through movement and breath, not given by the thermostat.

I could see he was seeking a deeper answer — one that made sense beyond the poses. Working at a resort, he witnessed countless western guests who, despite having material abundance, often seemed unhappy, stressed, or in conflict. It was clear he wanted to understand more.
I shared with him that many people believe their “home” is their house or their car — something external. But the only true home we ever have is our body.

    • A house can be lost and replaced.
    • A car can be taken and bought again.
    • But our body? It’s the only true home we are given.

What’s the most important part of a yoga pose? Your smile 🙂

SMILE

Even when you are breathing through a difficult posture, maintain an inner smile. What you feel and practice on the inside will come shining through on the outside. Smiling changes our mood. Next time you’re feeling down, start with an inner smile and then spread it to your outer lips. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood. When my kids we’re young and would start complaining or crying, I would have them place a pencil in their mouth to form a big, wide grin and then have them look up. They would instantly go from unhappy to laughing and smiling.

The mere act of smiling is contagious and makes us more attractive. Frowns and grimaces push people away, but a smile draws them in. We are drawn to people who smile and want to figure out what is so good. The same muscles we use to smile are the same ones we use to lift our face and make us look younger. Save your money on a face lift, and just try smiling through the day. If you start to feel stressed, it can show up on your face making you look tired and worn down. Go back to your smile to help reduce your stress and prepare you to take more effective action on your concerns.

There’s a reason it’s recommended to watch a funny show when you are sick. The act of smiling is a natural pain killer releasing endorphins and serotonin. Your immune function improves helping to prevent flu and colds. If you have high blood pressure, smiling while monitoring it has been shown to reduce your reading. Try it if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Take your reading frowning first, then take it smiling. Do you notice a difference? Smiling as a natural drug combines these body chemicals to make us feel good.

So next time, you find yourself scowling through your least favorite yoga pose, take a deep breath and smile. Let me know how it feels.   🙂

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